Making the most of a small living space can be very critical. This is particularly true if the space is a college dorm room, a kitchenette or other small quarters. There may be space to do a few different layouts when it comes to furniture arrangements but it will be important to make the most of the space without overcrowding things.

One of the best choices for a small space that has to include a space to sleep is to have a futon. The traditional futon is fashioned to serve the purposes of a place to sleep as well as sit. The way a futon works is that it can sit upright like a couch during the day and convert to a flat position like a bed for sleeping.

The futon has been around for a long time. Today's designs go from the simply basic to the complexly designed. Some of the fancier futons have magazine racks, arm rests and a variety of materials to choose their construction from.

Futons can be purchased in wood, aluminum, wrought iron and steel. The price range on futons can be quite expansive depending on the type of material you choose. Some of the futons constructed from metals are lighter weight and easy to move for rearranging rooms. The aluminum and steel framed futons also tend to be less expensive than the ones constructed from wood or brass.

Typically a futon does not come with the padding or mattress that is necessary to sleep on it. This offers the buyer a great deal of variety in terms of picking a futon's padding. Those who prefer a sleep that is lightweight and airy will appreciate sleeping on a futon pad that is made from down filling.

Others who like a firmer sleep that is moisture resistant can choose from futon padding that is firm to extra firm, the latter of which is very similar to a mattress itself. Futon padding covers also come in a variety of fabrics and types. The cover that goes over futon padding should be one that is stain resistant and can be spot cleaned.

A futon that is used daily will get some wear and tear but many polyester covers work great for this purpose and can be ordered in custom fabrics to create a one of a kind look for a futon that serves as a place to sit during the day and a bed at night. The advantage to such fabrics also ensures that with a little creativity, you're certain not to see another futon that's exactly like the one you've designed.

Apartments, dorm rooms, small flats and guest rooms are the perfect location for a futon because they serve a dual purpose. Having a futon as a part of a bunk bed system also provides a space where guests can sit when visiting rather than having them to sit on a bottom bunk with a low clearance space for your head. Flexibility and durability are both major advantages to having a futon rather than a traditional bed.